Johns Coffee House and Tavern reopens after 200 years
After 200 years, John’s Coffee House and Tavern is returning to Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile following a £500,000 investment from CoDE Concepts.
Article Source: Issued by Muckle Media on behalf of CoDE Concepts.
Last Updated: 7 March 2025 14:53
Once a renowned gathering place for Scotland’s legal minds, writers, and thinkers, the revived John’s Coffee House and Tavern honours its rich past while celebrating the best of local Scottish produce.
Following a complete refurbishment, the new space allows the original assets of the coffee house to stand out thanks to Edinburgh-based interior designers, Morgan Architects. Working to accentuate the historic details of the coffee house, the brand-new, warm and inviting space welcomes guests to enjoy everything from breakfast in the morning to drinks later at night, staying true to Edinburgh’s 17th century coffee house and taverns.
Founded in 1688 in Parliament Square, John’s Coffee House and Tavern was a lively hub of intellectual discussion and social debate. At the time, there was little distinction between coffee houses and taverns – both served coffee, ale, wine and food making them central to Edinburgh’s bustling social and political scene. John’s Coffee House was no exception, drawing in a diverse crowd of legal minds, writers and merchants.
Frequented by notable figures such as Adam Smith and David Hume, it is said that some of the most influential ideas of the Enlightenment were born here, with a coffee or ale in hand. Judges and advocates famously gathered for their midday "meridians", a stiff drink before heading back to court. Though the original establishment was tragically lost in the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824, its legacy lives on.
Goods of all kinds once passed through John’s Coffee House, from coffee, fine wines, to land, ships and even stocks of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Now, two centuries later, this historic establishment is reopening offering a menu that blends tradition with contemporary Scottish flavours. Signature drinks include the historic ‘Cauld Cock & Feather’, a glass of brandy with raisins, once a favourite of 18th-century patrons, and ‘The Enlightened Irish Coffee,’ featuring Highland Nectar Scotch Whisky Liqueur, freshly brewed coffee, maple syrup, and a topping of whipped cream. Guests can also enjoy sharing boards featuring Scottish cheeses, charcuterie, and artisanal chutneys from Arran.
Sourcing ingredients from the local suppliers, the coffee house and tavern will feature tea and coffee from Edinburgh Tea Company and Common Coffee, haggis from Hall’s of Scotland, and baked goods from Le Petit Français and The Edinburgh Scone Company. Drinks include craft beers from Bellfield Brewery and cider from Edinburgh Cider Co.
Andrew Landsburgh, Director and Founder of CoDE Concepts shared: “This is one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating and storied buildings. Walking through the old cells and courtrooms back in 2019, when opening the CoDE The Court, was eerie, yet inspiring. Our vision was to modernise the space while paying homage to its extraordinary history.
“Coffee was at the heart of John’s Coffee House and Tavern for over a century, fuelling debates, shaping ideas and bringing people together. Now 200 years later, we’re proud to continue this tradition, serving exceptional coffee and drinks in a space where history is written on the walls.”
Located in a Category A-listed building within Edinburgh’s Old Town Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, the new John’s Coffee House and Tavern invites visitors to step into history while enjoying the best of Scotland’s culinary offerings.
For further information or to make a booking visit https://johnscoffeehouse.com/
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience
This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites guests to raise a dram to a quarter-century of discovery as the Distillers’ Fair returns for its 25th year.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection
Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17th December 2025.
READ MORE
The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.
Two in a row: The Johnnie Walker Experience has once again been named Europe and The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at the 2025 World Travel Awards(WTA).
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer
Dynamic Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwilym Gibbons as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous and far-reaching recruitment process.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions
Edinburgh's Christmas has added new special themed skating sessions to run throughout the season.
READ MORE
Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology
Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.
READ MORE
Deer Park backs Livingston FC Community young footballers with kit sponsorship
Deer Park is helping to kickstart the footballing journey of young players by sponsoring new training kits, match kits, and rain jackets for the Livingston FC Community’s 2017 age group.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home
2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition
A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister
To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.
READ MORE
Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value
See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.
READ MORE
Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!
READ MORE
Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.
READ MORE
Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world
The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh
On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.
READ MORE
Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year
Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.
READ MORE
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities
Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.
READ MORE
Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced
Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!
READ MORE
Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.
READ MORE
Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence
Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence
READ MORE
George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner
The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.
READ MORE
Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links